> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://captions.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Build a UGC-Style Ad from Scratch

> Create a user-generated content style ad using your own footage or an AI avatar, with no film crew and no studio.

UGC-style ads (casual, direct-to-camera videos that feel organic rather than produced) consistently outperform polished brand ads on social platforms. Captions gives you two ways to make them: with your own recorded footage, or entirely with AI.

This guide covers both approaches.

## Approach 1: Record it yourself

This produces the most authentic result. Use this approach when you want a real person on camera: yourself, a team member, or a collaborator.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Write your script">
    UGC ads follow a simple structure:

    1. **Hook** (1–3 seconds): lead with the problem or a bold claim
    2. **Problem/agitate:** describe the pain point your audience knows
    3. **Solution:** introduce the product
    4. **Social proof or demo:** show it working
    5. **CTA:** tell them what to do next

    Keep it under 60 seconds. 30–45 seconds is ideal for paid social.

    Use the [Script Generator](/help/docs/project/script) to draft a script from a prompt, then edit it to sound like you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Record in the Captions Camera">
    Open the Captions app → tap **Camera**. Load your script into the **Teleprompter** and record.

    UGC tips for recording:

    * Use your phone camera, not a professional setup. It should feel real
    * Natural window light works better than studio lighting for this format
    * Slightly messy background is fine. It adds authenticity
    * Record a few takes and pick the most natural one

    → [Record Yourself with Camera & Teleprompter](/help/guides/creators/camera-teleprompter)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply AI Edit">
    After recording, tap **AI Edit** and choose a style. For UGC ads, styles like **Core**, **Clarity**, or **Elevate** tend to work well. They're polished without being over-produced.

    AI Edit adds captions, cuts the silence, adds B-roll, and finishes the edit automatically.

    → [Go from Raw Footage to Finished Video](/help/guides/creators/ai-edit-workflow)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add captions and export">
    If you didn't use AI Edit, generate captions manually. Bold captions are essential for paid social, since most people watch with sound off.

    Export at 1080p vertical (9:16) for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Approach 2: AI-generated UGC ad

No camera required. Use this approach to test multiple ad concepts quickly, create ads at scale, or when you don't have a person available to record.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to AI Ads">
    Open Captions → tap **AI Creator** → select **AI Ads**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Paste your product URL">
    Enter your product or landing page URL. Captions scrapes the page and pre-fills the product name, description, and images.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and edit the product info">
    Check the auto-populated fields. Fix the product name, refine the description, and swap out any images that don't look right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and edit the script">
    Captions generates a UGC-style script automatically. Edit it to match your brand voice: tighten the hook, add specific claims, or adjust the CTA.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your avatar">
    Select from the community avatar library or use your [AI Twin](/help/docs/project/ai-twin) if you've set one up. For ads, choose an avatar that matches your target audience.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate and export">
    Tap **Generate**. Review the output, make any final adjustments, and export.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  [AI Ads](/help/docs/project/ai-ads) requires **Basic, Max, or Scale**.
</Note>

## Tips for high-performing UGC ads

* **The hook is everything.** If the first 2–3 seconds don't stop the scroll, nothing else matters. Test multiple hooks.
* **Specificity beats vague claims.** "Saves 3 hours a week" outperforms "saves time."
* **Show, don't tell.** If you can demonstrate the product working, do it. B-roll of the product in use is worth more than describing it.
* **Match the platform.** TikTok rewards raw and energetic. Instagram tends to perform better with slightly more polished content. Test both.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create Multiple Ad Variations Fast" icon="copy" href="/help/guides/marketing/ad-variations">
    Use AI Twin + AI Ads to test different angles at scale.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Turn a Product URL into a Video Ad" icon="link" href="/help/guides/marketing/product-url-to-ad">
    Fastest path from URL to finished ad.
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI Ads reference" icon="rectangle-ad" href="/help/docs/project/ai-ads">
    Full feature documentation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Script Generator" icon="pen" href="/help/docs/project/script">
    Generate ad scripts from a prompt.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>